Seeing As GOD Sees
Friends,
This Sunday we’re diving into one of those stories that reminds us just how differently God sees the world. In 1 Samuel 16, the prophet Samuel is sent to anoint a new king—an assignment that looks both dangerous and impossible. He expects to find a warrior or a statesman, someone impressive. Instead, God says:
“GOD does not see as mortals see;
they look on the outward appearance,
but GOD looks on the heart.”
It’s a reminder that God’s vision cuts deeper than appearances, deeper than success, deeper even than our own self-assessments. God sees potential hiding under hesitation, calling growing inside imperfection, and worth that refuses to vanish even after failure.
We’ll pair this story with Psalm 51, where David—years later—prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Together these texts form a conversation between calling and renewal, between the God who chooses us and the God who keeps reshaping us.
Our discussion will explore questions like:
- How do we learn to see as God sees?
- Who in our lives might be a “David” we’ve overlooked?
- What does it mean to have a heart made new, not just once, but over and over?
Come ready for an honest, story-filled, heart-level conversation. No homework, no pressure—just an invitation to look beneath the surface together and practice some inner sight.
☕ Small Group Sunday – October 19 @ 10 a.m.
Sacred Place UCC Conference Room
Coffee and conversation as always—bring your open mind and your open heart.
See you Sunday,
Bryan
Community Announcements
Pacifica Institute - Corona
We are pleased to share an invitation from the Pacifica Institute to a unique evening of spiritual reflection and cultural artistry: Sufi Night.
This meaningful gathering will weave together music, poetry, and the sacred practice of Sufi whirling—a tradition that invites both beauty and contemplation.
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Venue: OBCTheater – Historic Civic Center (815 W 6th St, Corona, CA 92882)
Reception: 6:30 PM | Program: 7:00 PM
Admission is free and open to all. Seating is limited, so early reservation is recommended. You may scan the QR code on the attached flyer or click here to secure your place.
We hope you’ll join in this evening of inspiration, connection, and cultural exchange.
Presented by Pacifica Institute – Inland Empire (Corona)
Helpful Links
City of Rancho Cucamonga—Find out what’s happening locally and how we can connect with our neighbors as we create Sacred Places together.
Southern California Nevada Conference—Learn more about what’s going on with our wider UCC family in this region.
United Church of Christ—Explore what’s happening across the whole denomination.
Contact Us
As always, we want to hear from you! If you have questions, comments, or community links to share please email Bryan. Or, you can text us or leave voice mail at (909) 506-2400. You are what makes this a Sacred Place. Your presence, your ideas, your input, your messages. You are welcome, you are wanted, and you are valuable. Please feel free to reach out.